OUACHITA PARISH MAN RESISTS ARREST FOR BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested a Monroe man on the evening of Aug. 13 for allegedly operating a boat while intoxicated, resisting an officer and having an expired boat registration certificate.

John E. Beckstrom, 52, Monroe, was arrested after agents had conducted a boating safety check on Beckstrom's boat on the Ouachita River near Moon Lake. During the stop, agents detected a strong odor that they suspected was alcohol coming from Beckstrom. Agents arrested Beckstrom after he failed several field sobriety tests at the boat dock facility at Moon Lake.

During the arrest, he reportedly resisted officers and had to be restrained. Beckstrom was booked at the Ouachita Correctional Center and placed under a $1,150 bond.

Penalties for operating a boat while intoxicated include a maximum fine of $1,000, or jail up to six months, or both for first offenses. The penalty for resisting an officer is a fine of up to $500, or jail time up to six months or both. Operating a boat with expired boat registration is punishable by a fine of $50, or 15 days in jail or both.

Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Lane Kincaid, and Sr. Agents Scott Jeansonne and John Volentine.